Norfolk farming enjoyed an outstanding evening of success at this year’s Farmers Weekly Awards, with farmers and farming businesses from across the county taking home some of the industry’s most highly regarded accolades.
Held in London on Thursday 1 October, the awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and businesses helping to shape the future of British agriculture – and Norfolk was particularly well represented.
From arable and poultry farming to pigs and farm management, the evening showcased the strength, diversity and ambition of Norfolk’s agricultural community.
The headline award of the evening went to James Chapman, who was named Farmer of the Year.
James, who is also head steward of the Royal Norfolk Show’s Grand Ring team, had already enjoyed an impressive evening after being named Arable Farmer of the Year, making his double success particularly notable.
His achievement adds to an already impressive record. Last year, James won the Norfolk County Farm Business Championship, awarded by the Aylsham Agricultural Show Association.
Alongside his farming achievements, James plays a prominent role in Norfolk’s agricultural show scene, leading the Grand Ring team at the Royal Norfolk Show. He was also nominated in the Environmental Award category, recognising the breadth of his work and his approach to modern farming.
The Farmers Weekly Awards celebrate those helping to build greater independence and resilience within agriculture, often by finding new ways to approach the challenges facing the industry.
James’ success is a fantastic achievement and a fitting recognition of his contribution to both farming and the wider agricultural community.
Norfolk also celebrated success in the Poultry Farmer of the Year category, with Mark Gorton of Traditional Norfolk Poultry taking home the award.
Mark is no stranger to recognition from the RNAA. Earlier this summer, he received the Sir Timothy Colman Award, recognising his contribution to Norfolk’s agricultural community.
His latest achievement is another fantastic recognition of the work taking place within Norfolk’s poultry sector.
There was further Norfolk success in the Pig Farmer of the Year category, with North Farm Livestock, led by the Baker family, taking the title.
The North Norfolk-based business has built a strong reputation within the pig industry, and the award provides another example of the quality and dedication found across Norfolk’s farming businesses.
There was also a further Norfolk connection in the Farm Manager of the Year category, with Will Jones taking the award.
Will, the son of Mid-Norfolk farmer Ed Jones, currently farms for Albanwise in Yorkshire. His success demonstrates the reach of Norfolk’s agricultural community and the contribution that those with Norfolk roots continue to make to farming across the country.
These successes come at an important time for agriculture, with farmers and farming businesses continuing to navigate pressure to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and respond to changing environmental and economic demands. The Farmers Weekly Awards highlight those finding innovative ways to meet these challenges and build successful businesses for the future.
For Norfolk, however, the evening represented more than a collection of individual awards. From arable and poultry farming to pigs and farm management, the results showcased the strength and diversity of the county’s agricultural sector and the contribution Norfolk farmers continue to make to British agriculture.
The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is proud to celebrate the achievements of everyone working across Norfolk’s farming and agricultural community.
Sign up to our newsletter to hear the latest news from the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.